In military radio speak, we are all familiar with the ‘all call-signs’ call over the net: that the message that follows is for everyone’s attention, especially when it comes from ‘Sunray,’ the highest rank in the local command chain. When a message goes out from one ‘call-sign’ to another, everyone can hear, but not everyone is to take note necessarily, although in my experience as a radio operator, it is wise to keep abreast of what is happening elsewhere—keeps you on your toes.
In the first century, when most of the world was governed by Roman authorities, Christianity had been restricted to Jewish the community, especially in Jerusalem. But, Peter was about to learn that the Good News was not just for them but for the whole world too..
“In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.”
Acts 10:1-2
Cornelius (a Centurion, who was the equivalent of a Company Commander in size, but CO in status) was a religious man, devout and generous and worshipped the Jewish/Christian God. An angel appeared to him one day and told him to send for Peter who was staying just up the coast with a friend.
Meanwhile, God gives Peter a vision encouraging him to be free to eat anything he wished (as opposed to only kosher food). Being a good Jew Peter was alarmed at this, but God reassured him that He had made all things available to eat and there was now no restrictions. As well as being literal, it was also a metaphor for allowing non-Jews to come into the faith; the message of salvation through Jesus Christ was available to all, not just the Jewish people.
Peter went willingly with the men that Cornelius sent because of this vision. When he arrived he said:
“I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him… This is the message of Good News … that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”
Acts 10:33-35
The result is that Cornelius and all those he had invited to be present when Peter came, all understood that the Gospel, the Good News, was for them too and they all became Christians that day … and were Baptised.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18 (NLT)
God shows no favouritism to any people group!
Not only this, but all Call-Signs, regardless of our past, upbringing, ethnicity or for any other reason are welcome; there is no sin that God’s forgiveness can’t overcome.
That we can all be forgiven all our sins (disobedience to God’s ways) and be made right with God is an amazing gift extended to us.
It is a clear message to ‘all call-signs’.
“[Hello all Call-Signs—this is Sunray (Jesus)], ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me (Jesus) teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Over…’”
Matthew 11:28-30
The question remains: “Will you answer this call..?”
Read how I followed the call from God:
My Story
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